A hearing was held in a Carroll County courtroom Wednesday afternoon, following a motion to suppress filed by the defendant’s attorney last week. Brandon Simpson, 26, is charged with murder, burglary, and theft/stealing in connection to the May 2012 death of Michelle Rheuport, 40, of Richmond.

The eligibility of certain pieces of evidence were called into question. Four law enforcement officers were called to the witness stand. Judge Larry Harmon heard testimony from Matt Peterson and Lieutenant Todd Herdman, both with the Richmond Police Department, Deputy David Shepherdson, with the Ray County Sheriff’s Office, and Sergeant Darren Blankenship, with the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The prosecution and defense questioned them on topics that include the the search warrant served on the home where Simpson was staying, his waiver of rights before questioning, and if he was under the influence during the interview.

Judge Harmon has taken the motion under advisement. The Prosecution was given ten days to file a briefing on the hearing, and the Defense has five days to respond after that. A ruling will not be made until those are both received.

Simpson is next scheduled to appear for a pre-trial hearing on Friday, October 11th at 1:30. He will go before a jury on October 28th.

James Gant

Lauren Gabbard

Two other people have been charged in connection to Rheuport’s death. James Gant, 26, of Richmond, will go to trial September 30th. Lauren Gabbard, 25, also of Richmond, will appear for a jury trial on October 21st.